Page 95 - All About History - Issue 08-14
P. 95
Review Roundup
ENGLISH KINGS AND QUEENS
TOP 3 APPS
The British monarchy at
your fingertips
KING HENRY VIII
iPad+: iOS 4.3+ |
£1.49
The app contains
detailed information on the
infamous Henry VIII’s life,
notably his birth, reign, wives
and mistresses, his reformation
of the Church of England and
his final years and legacy.
THE BRITISH MONARCHY
iPad+: iOS 5.1+ |
£0.69/$0.99
Perfect for anyone
who wants to know more about
the British monarchy,
this features information
THE QUEEN option to perform integrated
and an image of every British
king or queen, as well as the
web searching without having
to leave the application,
Year: 2006
which in turn opens up
Directed by: Stephen Frears
new possibilities.
1997 was a turbulent year for
Britain: Tony BlairÕs Labour
party had swept to power WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR
Windows: 8.1 | Free
and Princess Diana was
tragically killed in a car crash. This audiobook
by Jacob
Helen MirrenÕs portrayal of
Abbott captures William the
a queen trying to combine Conqueror’s life and events
her views on decorum in plain language. An internet
and tradition with a very connection is not required after
different modern world and downloading, meaning history
enthusiasts can listen to it
media is a joy to behold.
anywhere they choose.
TELEVISION AND FILMS
THE TUDORS MONARCHY – MADNESS OF EDITOR’S PICK
SERIES 1-3 KING GEORGE
Year: 2007-10 One of the reasons expectations were so high for its sequel (to
Directed by: find out the extent of its historical accuracy, flick a few pages
Michael Hirst Year: 2004 Year: 1994 back to page 98) was just how good 1998Õs Elizabeth was. ItÕs
A television Directed by: Directed by: a perfect example of a film that strives for historical accuracy
series based David Starkey Nicholas (even if it doesnÕt always quite achieve it) combined with
on the loves The complete Hytner telling a fast-paced, engaging and at times complex story that
and marriages box set tells A thought- doesnÕt patronise its audience. The film focuses on ElizabethÕs
of king Henry VIII and the the story of provoking early life, when the staunchly Catholic Mary was in charge
main players at court, this the British look at the and ElizabethÕs future Ð let alone her ascension to the throne
is enjoyable television for monarchy from its earliest illness suffered by George III Ð looked decidedly perilous. Featuring a commanding lead
anyone prepared to disengage years to the present day. and the great highs and lows performance from Cate Blanchett and strong support from
their brain and sense of Presented by one of EnglandÕs this gave him. The film also Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes and Christopher Eccleston, it
historical accuracy and best-known and charismatic Ð astutely examines the politics nicely handles the pressure placed on her queen by her coun-
authenticity and enjoy the and sometimes controversial of government at the time. cil to marry to help secure the countryÕs future.
ride. Not one for the history Ð historians, it is never short of
purist, but it sweeps along at a compelling and displays some “ Featuring a commanding lead
brisk pace and is entertaining nice visual touches which performance from Cate Blanchett”
for the casual observer. bring the subject to life. © Alamy
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